Project makes Direct Payments accessible Thursday, November 5, 2009 - 12:14

Woman painting some flowers

People with mental health difficulties often experience social inequalities, including inequalities of access to Direct Payments. The ‘Is it for me?' awards ceremony - held in Cambridge on Thursday 5 November 2009 - celebrated the project's work to improve access to Direct Payments for all adults with mental health difficulties and their carers, allowing them to directly buy their social care and the support they feel they need.

Adults involved in the project completed the short accredited course - ‘I'll give it a go' - which helped them to develop the necessary literacy and numeracy skills required to apply for Direct Payments. They were presented with awards at the ceremony.

Adults who use Direct Payments benefit in many different ways:

Rosemary, from Wiltshire, said:

"I dropped my passion for photography when my husband developed Alzheimer's, needing full-time attention. Since receiving Direct Payments, going to photo workshops and learning new computer techniques means I can pick up a camera again and escape physically and mentally from the isolation of caring."

David, from the South West, said:

Since receiving Direct Payments, going to photo workshops and learning new computer techniques means I can pick up a camera again and escape physically and mentally from the isolation of caring.

Rosemary, from Wiltshire

"I successfully use self-management strategies to manage my long-term condition and to help me avoid crises. This includes using Direct Payments for respite at places that I choose."

Jacqueline, from Skegness, uses her Direct Payments to pursue her passion for painting. She said:

"My Direct Payments help me to keep occupied. They give me incentive, ideas and inspiration. It gives me great satisfaction to see the end results of my work and it gives me pleasure to see the finished items go to two local charities."

Key speakers at the event included:

  • Robin Murray-Neill, Department of Health lead for mental health and personalisation
  • Kathryn James, Programme Director for Mental Health at NIACE
  • Prof. David Morris, Director, Inclusion Institute, International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion
  • Julie Harrison, Senior Policy Manager, Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities, Learning and Skills Council

Free resources for providers interested in running the course are available on the NIACE Moodle.

To find out about NIACE's online ‘Train the Trainers' course - available until end of December 2009 - email catina.barrett@niace.org.uk

 

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